AWWA Member Spotlight – Denita Bonhart, Cleveland, Ohio

Denita Bonhart is manager of the special projects group at the Cleveland Water Division. With expertise in project management and a passion for continuous learning, she coordinates projects, serves as the human resources lead, and contributes to the Water Distribution Worker Apprenticeship Program.

Education/certification: Certificate in Project Management, Kent State University

Job duties: I oversee budgeting, policies and programs while assisting the Commissioner of Water. I contribute to strategic planning, coordinate project implementation and serve as the human resources lead. I review processes, develop standard operating procedures, advise on performance metrics, and support the Water Distribution Worker Apprenticeship Program. Additionally, I coordinate AWWA membership renewals and conference attendance for the division.

How and why did you get into the water sector? I unconventionally came to the water sector. I joined the Department of Public Utilities in 2009 without knowing what my specific duties would be, but I was at a point in my career where I needed to apply all the skills I had learned to something different. One of my first assignments was to staff the employee-driven project teams seeking to improve customer service at Cleveland Water. I joined the Cleveland Division of Water in 2018 to assist with the rollout of a work order management system for vertical assets in the water treatment plants. This position led to my involvement with AWWA. (Pictured above from left, Bonhart with puppy Memphis, at ACE23 with AWWA’s David LaFrance and co-worker Kathleen Stephens, with Greater Cincinnati Water Works colleague Trish Harrison.)

Why do you support water sector training and e-learning platforms? The public depends on water professionals to provide safe and reliable water to our homes at affordable costs while being responsible stewards of the environment. All water professionals must practice the continuous learning model to meet those expectations. Sector training not only allows the recipient the opportunity to learn, but it also provides our sector an opportunity to teach and share best practices. E-learning platforms are just one tool for this learning and sharing. They provide more training opportunities at an affordable cost because you do not have to spend time and resources to travel, and you can learn at your own pace. 

What is an interesting project you’ve worked on? Working to reestablish the Ohio Section Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Evolving the committees’ focus from dormant to advancing D&I initiatives is a work in progress, but nevertheless, progress has been made. The committee is active and has a succession plan for leadership. The members who joined the committee and took their time to contribute their ideas and life experiences have had a positive impact on the section. Collaboration with Membership and YP committees has been fun and meaningful. It is creating connections and programs that are serving our members, and it encourages the acceptance of diversity of thought and develops new lenses for how leadership deals with the section’s work. I appreciate that the Commissioner of Cleveland Water and the Director of Public Utilities have given me the time to commit to this committee and its work. 

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? Receiving the Larry Valentine Membership Recruitment Award in 2022. The award acknowledges my passion for championing the training and development of water professionals.

How have you benefited from your AWWA membership? My involvement began as a volunteer for the 2015 Ohio Section state conference in Cleveland. I participated in the local arrangements committee for the 2019 Ohio Section conference, attended the 2018 One Water Conference in Columbus, and began chairing the OAWWA Diversity Committee in 2019. I joined the Ohio Section Governing Board in 2020 as the Northeast District Trustee. These experiences have allowed me to learn more about the standards, governance and influence of AWWA. I also have developed relationships with colleagues across the country that I would have never met otherwise. It is rewarding to be a person of color changing the landscape of a sector that is traditionally filled with people who do not look like me. I have grown in my knowledge of the water sector and was selected as a presenter at ACE23 and Ohio Section conferences and events.

Describe your family and personal interests: I am a single parent with two adult children, Joseph and Ashley. I also have a Morkie puppy named Memphis (after my hometown). I have a twin sister who is two minutes older. I also am a big believer that family comes in all forms, and I have very close friends who are just as much family as my relatives. I love to solve puzzles, play poker, golf and travel. I enjoy watching most sports, even professional cornhole tournaments.

What would surprise people to know about you? I am a fan of NASCAR. 

What do you find rewarding about your work? I am results-driven but much of my work is not easily measurable and tangible. The reward comes in knowing that my efforts are leading to good change. Making a difference in people’s perception, work environment and opportunities for advancement is satisfying. 

Why do you think young people should consider a career in water? Because it is a great way to earn a living and make a difference in the health and safety of your community. You can be a superhero while hiding your cape. Also, you can adapt any hobby or interest to a career in water. It is not just for the kids who like science and math. A gamer who can operate a joystick can operate a backhoe. Youth who like to work with their hands can find work in the trades that support operations. If you are interested in virtual reality, you can learn 3D modeling. If you are aspirational, Meta platforms and AI are contributing to how we find solutions to climate change, aging infrastructure and cyber threats.